Peshawar Church Attack: Victims Still Waiting For The Compensation Announced By Government

PESHAWAR: Protest staged against delay in promised compensation to the victims of the All Saint’s Church suicide blasts.

Peshawar-All Saints Church after the suicide blasts (file photo)

Members of Pakistan Christian National Party staged a protest urging the Federal and KP governments to make possible early dispensation of the promised aid for the treatment and rehabilitation of the affected families along with the restoration of the All Saints Church which was damaged as a result of twin suicide blasts.

The two attackers struck at the end of a Sunday service at All Saints Church last September. Although the country has been bearing the brunt of a bloody militant insurgency in recent years yet this is what Pakistan’s history records as the deadliest attack on Christian community in the country. The blasts left more than 100 dead and dozens injured. Immediately after the incident the Federal and provincial governments announced compensation for the affected families however, those victimized claim that they have not received the promised aid thus far.

The protest was staged outside the Peshawar Press Club, while Joseph Francis led the protestors. Other participants of the protest were Samuel Pyara, Javed Pyara and Tanveer Sherazi. The angry protestors said: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had announced relief package for those affected of the September 22 suicide attack and reconstruction of the church. The protestors added: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah also announced relief package for them but neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Minister dispensed the promised compensation and relief amount. They called upon Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Qaim Ali Shah to fulfil their promises.